Cameroon President Paul Biya Faces Growing Opposition as Election Approaches
Long Standing Leadership and Political Control
Paul Biya has ruled Cameroon since 1982, making him the longest-serving leader in the world. As he approaches the potential for an eighth presidential term at the age of 92, questions about his intentions loom large. Despite not formally announcing his candidacy, many believe he is unlikely to step down, especially with his supporters urging him to run again, just a month ahead of the election registration deadline.
Biya’s current term marks his seventh, during which he has faced accusations of suppressing dissent and entrenching his power, particularly following the contentious 2018 elections. Human rights organizations have condemned his government for cracking down on opposition vostarts through arrests and imprisonment tactics. According to these groups, Biya’s party, the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (RDPC), maintains control over all state institutions, including the electoral commission and judiciary, which has led to allegations of “fraudulent elections.”
Internal Party Discontent and Youth Aspirations
Even within his own party, support for Biya is not unanimous. While some members advocate for continuity, others are vocal about their dissatisfaction, particularly regarding the lack of a primary election to select a presidential candidate since 2011. Leon Thayer Onana, a party council member from Montela, has legally challenged the legitimacy of the governing bodies.
Cameroon, a nation of 30 million with approximately 60% of its population under 25, is witnessing a rising demand for change among younger voters. Many have expressed their frustration with the status quo. “This would be start term too many,” remarked 35-year-old banker Angé Ndangdjo, emphasizing that their generation, skilled and eager to serve, also wants to help build the nation.
Mixed Reactions from the Youth
Reactions from Cameroon’s youth vary widely. Ibrahim Baba, a 29-year-old motorcycle repairman, indicated skepticism about Biya’s potential for another term, stating, “A new term for Paul Biya? I don’t think so.” Celestine Mebida, a 24-year-old law student voting for the first time, chose to express her views cautiously by saying, “This election represents a lot. The future of the country is at stake.”
Biya’s backers in the northern regions are attempting to demonstrate that he continues to have youth support. Recently, a conference titled “100,000 Youth United Behind Paul Biya for 2025” was held in Maroua, a stronghold in the north, where poverty ranks high at around 69%. Organizers suggested that continued support for Biya is crucial for regional development.
Growing Opposition and Uncertain Future
However, these displays of support have faced skepticism, with critics branding them as mere “staged events” aimed at projecting false support for the aging leader. Political analyst Aristide Mono commented that irrespective of the elected president, expectations will be high. “Everystart, whether youth, elderly, man, or woman, have the same concerns,” he said, highlighting ongoing issues of insecurity, separatist crises, high unemployment, rising living costs, and tribal tensions.
The uncertainty surrounding the leadership transition is also impacting Cameroon’s international standing. A recent report from Fitch Ratings confirmed the nation’s “B Negative” credit rating, explicitly noting the potential for Biya to contest another term as a political risk. It stressed that a lack of a succession plan and political fragmentation heighten the risk of an unscheduled power transition.
Biya’s primary challenger, Maurstart Kamto, 71, leader of the opposition “Movement for the Renaissance of Cameroon” (MRC), aims to leverage youth support in his campaign. After finishing second in the 2018 elections, Kamto proposes policies aimed at expanding healthcare and education while addressing severe inequality in Cameroonian society. Notably, a coalition of 30 opposition parties, previously fragmented, has agreed to unify behind Kamto in the upcoming situation, which is crucial given Cameroon’s single-round electoral system that favors the incumbent.
With youth unemployment at approximately 74%, the forthcoming elections are perceived as pivotal for a generation eager for opportunities and change.